39. Everen: Reunion

Everen enters the Loc & Key and immediately tries to scry his sister using a small mirror, then the larger back-room mirror coated in soot. Fearing new disasters beyond the Veil, he even expends precious scrysilver, but his dampened magic fails. He hides the remaining scrysilver and turns his focus to Sorin’s potential knowledge of the dragonstone tree and her mind-block.

Waiting through the day, Everen cleans the shop and prepares a meal, reflecting that killing Sorin might have been safer yet choosing to seek her secrets instead. When Arcady returns in the evening, they share food and a brief semblance of normalcy amid the uncertainty.

Arcady asks about next steps. Everen proposes learning what Sorin knows and speaks of a vision of dragons flying over Vatra in peace, insisting fate still offers a path. Arcady admits her magic is depleted and doubts she can manage shapeshifting, waterweaving, or survive the next Trial.

Everen suggests completing their bond to restore their strength. He acknowledges betraying Arcady’s trust before and vows absolute loyalty this time. Arcady, emotional but cautious, does not commit and takes relief in delaying the choice.

They agree Arcady should avoid the Citadel and remain at the shop. Each beds down on opposite sides of the room; trust is tentative but present. The night passes without dreams, a quiet pause before confronting Sorin and the wider threats.